STEPS TO SUCCESS - DON'T FALL BEHIND!

The LSC is encouraging young people in the region to take the first steps towards a successful future by finding out about the opportunities to learn and develop further skills after school or college.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, nearly 40% of working age adults are not qualified to level 2 which is the equivalent of five GCSEs at Grades A to C - recognised as a benchmark for the minimum set of qualifications to help secure employability.*

Steps to Success is a new and impartial learning guide offering advice for young people aged 16-24 to help plan all aspects of their future, from deciding what to learn to where to applying for financial support.

Margaret Coleman, regional director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "It can be daunting for young people to plan their future and navigate a path to employment, but continuing in learning or training helps to boost your employability, your earning power and your future career options. Steps to Success is a step-by-step guide that puts information at the finger tips of young people so that they can make positive decisions about their future."

Today's young people have plenty of options and can follow the route that best suits their needs, talents, and level of ability, from Apprenticeships and A-levels to vocational qualifications or National Diplomas, and can train whilst working or study full time at school or college.

Andy Brown, regional director of learning, planning and performance for the LSC in this region, said: "People without the minimum qualifications are 10% more likely to be unemployed and may earn on average 9% less than their better skilled counterparts. The LSC recognises that young people achieving the minimum set of qualifications are a step ahead of those without. Andy Brown added: "We anticipate that by 2010 very few jobs will be open to those without the minimum qualifications. We are urging young people not to get left behind but to seize the opportunities that are available and get on the ladder to success."

Steps to Success provides a source of advice and information on courses offered across Yorkshire and the Humber and contains contact details for Apprenticeship and e2e providers, school sixth forms and further education colleges. The Steps to Success guide complements the 14-19 local online area prospectuses.

Copies of Steps to Success can be ordered by emailing lsc@teamwork-handling.co.uk

*Source DfES Qualifications and Participation in Learning at a local level; England 2006.